The CH-53A Sea Stallion was ordered in August 1962 for service with the US Marine Corps (USMC). At the time of its development, it was the largest helicopter designed by the Sikorsky company. The helicopter’s primary mission was cargo transport. It could haul cargo internally, and externally with a hook. Among the items the Marine Corps specification required to be carried were a 1 ½-ton truck and trailer, the Hawk missile system, an HonestJohn missile on its trailer, and a 105mm howitzer or a ½-ton jeep with a ½-ton two-wheeled trailer. The helicopter’s secondary mission was as a troop transport and casualty evacuation. It could hold 28 combat–equipped troops or 29 stretchers.

The first CH-53A flight took place October 14, 1964 and deliveries began in mid-1966. Deployments to Vietnam began in January 1967. At the end of 1968, production switched to the CH-53D versions. Production of the Sea Stallion for the USMC ended in January 1972. The even larger CH-53E Super Stallion replaced the Sea Stallion.

In 1971 the US Navy borrowed 15 CH-53As from the Marines to equip its first Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (minesweeping) Squadron. These and follow-on helicopters were designated RH-53A and RH-53D.

US Air Force versions of the CH-53 included the HH-53B, HH-53C and CH-53C Combat Search and Rescue helicopters. Ordered in September 1966, the first flight of the HH-53B Stallion took place in March 1967. By the end of the year the helicopters were in Vietnam, where they became known as the Super Jolly Green Giant. Later versions include the MH-53J and MH-53M Pave Low that have flown in the Gulf wars. These are low-range, low-level, all weather penetration helicopters flown in support of Special Operations Forces.

CAM’s NCH-53A was accepted into service March 1, 1966 and saw a variety of assignments. It flewwith the US Navy, US Marine Corps, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and back to the Navy to end its service. While with NASA, alterations and modifications were made to the helicopter such that it could not be returned to its original mission capability. That is why it carries the prefix N for permanent special test in its designator NCH-53A.

Our records do not show what year 153299 ended its service. It was last painted at the Naval Air Depot, Pensacola, Florida in November 1988. Under the paint, on the right side sponson, a decal/logo with NADC is visible. Our records show the helicopter’s last assignment being with the Naval Air Development Center, Research Development, Test and Evaluation, Warminister, Pennsylvania. The helicopter was recovered from Naval Air Engineering Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey, in July 1999, where it had been stored in a World War II blimp hangar.

This helicopter is on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola, Florida.